The year in review: Top news in 2022
Over the course of 2022 numerous events occurred within the country and externally which influenced Laos’ development progress. As we welcome 2023, we look back at the news making the headlines in 2022.
January
Laos-Vietnam relations enhanced
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July
Laos-Cuba relations enhanced
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December
President visits China
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| Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and his Vietnamese counterpart Phạm Minh Chinh inspect a guard of honour at the official welcoming ceremony in Hanoi. |
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President Thongloun Sisoulith and other senior leaders from Laos and Vietnam stand for national anthems at the official celebration of the two historical days. |
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Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President, holds talks with Thongloun Sisoulith, Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 30, 2022. --Photo Xinhua |
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| Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh visited Vietnam to cement the special relations and expand cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. The two governments signed eight cooperation documents relating to security, border control, economics, banking, education, healthcare and electricity. Vietnam pledged to provide 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to bolster the Lao government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. |
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The Lao and Cuban presidents vowed to strengthen the decades-old friendship and cooperative ties that unite the two countries. During a meeting held via video link, Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said they highly valued the longstanding relationship between their two countries.
During their talks, President Thongloun informed his Cuban counterpart about the progress made in Laos’ socio-economic development under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Laos, Vietnam mark two historic days
Leaders from Laos and Vietnam met in Vientiane to celebrate Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year, highlighting the strengthening ties and special solidarity between the two countries.
The grand event to mark the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962-2022) and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977-2022) was attended by senior leaders from the two countries.
Speaking at the event, President Thongloun said “Today, we recall and express our gratitude to the great President Ho Chi Minh and our two beloved Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, who gave birth to, acted as models, and nurtured and enhanced the friendship and special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam.” |
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Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s Central Committee and President, Thongloun Sisoulith, held talks with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
T h e L a o l e a d e r ’s three-day state visit to China was made in response to an invitation from President Xi. The two leaders stressed the need to uphold the principles of “long-term stability, good neighbourly friendship, mutual trust and all-round cooperation” and the spirit of “good n e i g h b o u r s, f r i e n d s, comrades and partners” in building bilateral ties.
Laos, Luxembourg extend partnership
The governments of Laos and Luxembourg signed four cooperation agreements during a working visit to Laos by His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. Grand Duke Henri visited Laos to enhance the splendid tradition of strong cooperative relations between the two countries.
The agreements will lead to more reciprocal visits by high-level government delegations from Laos and Luxembourg and spur the implementation o f p r o g r a m m e s a n d agreements signed to by the two countries.
Future cooperation w i l l i n c l u d e job skill development to strengthen collaboration in infrastructure connectivity, t o u r i s m, a n d h e a l t h, which will strengthen the foundations for driving economic growth.
National Games kick off in Xieng Khuang
After years of delay, the 11th National Games kicked off in Xieng Khuang province. The opening ceremony was attended by President Thongloun Sisoulith, top government leaders, the Governor of Xieng Khuang province Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh, spectators from across the country, and officials from Vietnam and various organisations. President Thongloun welcomed the athletes and spectators and officially opened the games.
Xieng Khuang province’s sports team participates in the parade at the main football stadium. --Photos Poonsab
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February
Impact of the Laos-China Railway
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| Goods from Asean countries can be sent to Europe through the Laos-China Railway. (Flie photo) |
August
Tropical storm causes widespread flooding |
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Business operators from T h a i l a n d, Vi e t n a m, Cambodia and Myanmar are now using the Laos-China Railway to ship goods to and from China and beyond. Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Daovone Phachanthavong, said “I think Laos’ economy will pick up this year now that the Laos-China Railway is in use. Businesses in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar are increasingly engaged in trade with China using the railway.” In addition, many people in Asean countries, particularly Thailand, want to travel on the railway to visit Vangvieng and Luang Prabang.
Cabinet reshuffle
A high-level leadership reshuffle took place, less than one year after the new government took office last March. Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, who was p r e v i o u s l y S e c r e t a r y General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, was appointed Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, replacing Mr Khamjane Vongphosy. Mr Khamjane took up a post at the Ministry of Planning and Investment. This was the first reshuffle since the National Assembly approved the new cabinet last year.
The change took place after the government announced the need to implement two national agendas to address economic and financial difficulties and drug trafficking. The reshuffle is aimed at strengthening government agencies to better tackle the c h a l l e n g e s triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. |
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| Many parts of northern Laos are suffering from flooding. |
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Thousands of people in Oudomxay, Bokeo, Huaphan, Phongsaly and other northern provinces suffered after torrential rain inundated their communities. Tropical storm Ma-on caused extensive destruction, with roads being flooded and houses and other property destroyed or damaged, while electricity and water supplies were disrupted in some places.
Oudomxay province suffered some of the worst flooding, with 97 villages in Xay district affected.
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March
Fuel shortage
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September
Joint Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam military exercise
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Military personnel from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia carried out a joint operation in Vientiane to rehearse rescue procedures in response to natural disasters.
Senior members of government from the three countries attended the closing ceremony of the joint exercise, when they watched a practice search-and-rescue mission and a demonstration of assistance provided for people in need of help, both on water and land. They also visited a simulated field hospital.
Prime Minister visits Singapore
The leaders of Laos and Singapore agreed that there is considerable scope to deepen their collaboration, including in the field of human resource development, as well as promoting business and tourism links.
Closer collaboration in these areas was the highlight of talks when Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh paid an official visit to Singapore at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mr Phankham also met with President Halimah Yacob. |
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| People always line up to fill up petrol ahead of the price hike. |
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The spiralling cost of fuel on the global market has impacted Laos, with some oil refineries hoarding fuel with the intention of making a profit. At the same time, Lao businesses struggled to import sufficient fuel. Fuel importers also suffered from the rise in cost because, while the price of imported fuel was rising, the increased cost was not reflected in sale prices in Laos, so businesses were losing money. Many petrol stations no longer had sufficient fuel and long queues of vehicles began to form.
It was decided that if the price of oil continued to rise, sufficient oil would be bought to last for only five to seven days instead of 15 days.
April
Corrupt Party members disciplined
Since 2016, a total of 3,690 Party members have been disciplined over incidences of corruption and other forms of misconduct. Of these, 2,019 people were expelled from the Party, 150 officials were demoted, and 742 members were banned from taking part in Party meetings and other activities. In addition, 753 other Party members and nine Party cadres were warned not to repeat their transgressions.
May
Govt reopens country to foreign tourists
The government announced that all international border crossings would reopen starting on May 9, to allow people of all nationalities to enter and exit Laos freely. As in the past, citizens of countries that have signed a bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreement with Laos can enter without needing to apply for a visa. Citizens of other countries can apply for a visa at Lao embassies or consulates. Visitors can also apply for a visa online or on arrival at border crossings where this service is available.
Lao PM travels to US for US-Asean Summit
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh attended the US-Asean Special Summit in Washington, DC. The summit d e m o n s t r a t e s t h e United States’ enduring commitment to Asean, recognising its central role in delivering sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges.
The summit commemorated 45 years of US-Asean relations and was the second Special Summit held since 2016 and the first in-person engagement for the leaders since 2017. The areas discussed aimed to deepen cooperation and concerned the Covid-19 response and global health security, climate change, sustainable development, maritime cooperation, and human capital development. |
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October
Germany resumes bilateral cooperation with Laos
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Germany pledged additional support of about 38 million Euro to Laos, following the resumption of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
During a visit to Laos, Germany’s State Secretary for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mr Jochen Flasbarth, said the German government would provide the extra funding to support Lao-German cooperation.
Mr Flasbarth said Germany would also continue to support Laos through multilateral cooperation frameworks, including the European Union and other international platforms.
Laos-Australia relations elevated
The foreign ministers of Laos and Australia held talks to discuss the elevation of the countries’ bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership, to further strengthen their longstanding cooperation. T h e m e e t i n g t o o k place in Australia when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith met with Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong.
Mr Saleumxay visited Australia as part of activities to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two ministers agreed to broaden their partnership in economics and trade, investment, and tourism by pushing for greater collaboration between their chambers of commerce and industry.
New decree spells out benefits for honorary Lao citizens
The government issued a new decree outlining the criteria for foreigners to be granted honorary citizenship and be eligible for special benefits. Foreigners who are granted honorary citizenship can exit and enter Laos without having to apply for a visa. They can also live in Laos permanently, according to the 11-page decree.
Honorary citizens are eligible to purchase land use rights to state land for a certain period. They can also lease both state and privately-owned land. Honorary citizens can enjoy the rights and interests they are entitled to, the same as other foreign expatriates living in Laos.
President visits Brunei
P r e s i d e n t T h o n g l o u n Sisoulith and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal B o l k i a h o f B r u n e i Darussalam said they highly valued the friendly relations and cooperation between their countries. The affirmation of their close relations was made when President Thongloun made a state visit to Brunei at the invitation of the Bruneian king.
Govt leaders celebrate construction of 5th Lao-Thai Mekong bridge
Lao and Thai leaders gathered in Borikhamxay and Bueng Kan provinces to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River. Although construction of the bridge began some time ago, the official groundbreaking ceremony was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ceremony took place at both ends of the bridge, in Borikhamxay province in Laos and Bueng Kan province in Thailand.
November
Laos cited as top tourist destination in Asean
The National Geographic, one of the world’s most widely read magazines, picked Laos among 25 top travel destinations for 2023. Laos was the only country in Asean listed in the magazine’s top recommendations for holidaymakers in 2023. The annual list of outstanding destinations is divided into five categories – community, nature, culture, family and adventure. Laos was listed in the community category as being a place where c o n s e r v a t i o n b e n e f i t s everyone.
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June
Lao-Thai relations elevated
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| Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh (left) and Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha address a joint press conference in Bangkok. |
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Plain of Jars officially celebrated as Laos’ 3rd world heritage site
A celebration took place in Xieng Khuang province to mark UNESCO’s listing of the Plain of Jars as Laos’ third world heritage site. The formal declaration of the Plain of Jars as a world heritage site took place during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Azerbaijan, in 2019.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, said the Plain of Jars world heritage proposal involved 11 separate sites that contained 1,325 large and small ancient stone jars. The jars were carved from sandstone and granite. Their size ranges from very small to about 3 metres in height and they are thought to be 2,500-3,000 years old. |
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Laos and Thailand elevated their ties to that of a “Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development” after Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh visited Thailand. The two governments signed three Memorandums of Understanding in a bid to deepen their cooperation. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the elevated ties represented an important milestone in the countries’ 72-year diplomatic relations.
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By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update December 30, 2022)
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